‘My intention is to be here’: Auston Matthews wants to remain with the Maple Leafs

The wait is finally over and Auston Matthews has stated that he wants to remain with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

After their second-round series loss to Florida, the team addressed the media on Monday in what was their locker clean-out day. And that’s where the 25-year-old addressed the future of his hockey career.

“My intention is to be here,” Matthews told reporters on Monday. “I think I’ve reciprocated that before, how much I enjoy playing here and what it means to me; the organization, my teammates, and how much I just enjoy being here.”

Matthews can sign a new contract on July 1st and the expectation is that it’ll be one of the biggest deals in NHL history.

However, Toronto has had difficulties locking up their superstars right away, going all the way back to the Mitch Marner and William Nylander negotiations.

This extension, though, Matthews says is “important” to get done before the 2023-24 season gets underway.

“I think it will all work itself out in due time and just go from there. But as far as everything else goes, like I’ve said before, I really do enjoy playing here and it’s a true honour.

“The work that we’re putting in to continue to strive for that end result is extremely motivating.”

After what was a goalless second round for the 24-year-old, Matthews did say he had some bumps and bruises, but nothing serious.

“It was my job to push through that.” He said, per Sports Illustrated’s David Alter.